From Tragedy to Triumph: Karen Keene on Surviving, Leading & Inspiring Women

On this week’s episode of the She Believed She Could Podcast, Allison Walsh welcomes an extraordinary guest whose story is as inspiring as it is unforgettable — Karen Keene. As the founder of Athena Next Gen Orlando, Karen has empowered over 500 women to step into leadership, embrace their strengths, and build meaningful professional connections. But beyond her professional achievements, Karen’s journey of survival, resilience, and advocacy proves just how powerful it can be when women turn pain into purpose.

Karen Keene is a visionary leader, community advocate, and gun violence survivor whose life embodies resilience and impact. With more than 30 years of experience as a senior marketing executive and public policy expert, she has led teams in business development, branding, and strategic communications for international and regional law firms.

Her contributions extend far beyond the corporate world. Karen co-founded Athena Next Gen Orlando, a leadership program designed to uplift women through mentorship, collaboration, and practical leadership development. She also spearheaded a $150,000 endowed scholarship at the UCF Foundation to support female graduate students across the university system.

Karen’s leadership and influence have earned her multiple honors, including Woman of the Year by Orange Appeal (2017, 2024), Orlando Magazine’s Woman of the Year (2024), and I4 Business Leader of the Year (2018). Her legacy is not only defined by professional accolades, but by her passion for equipping women with the tools, confidence, and community they need to thrive.

Karen Keene spent over three decades as a senior marketing executive and public policy leader before co-founding Athena Next Gen Orlando, a one-of-a-kind women’s leadership program. With masterclass sessions led by top female executives, the program has become a thriving community for professional women across Central Florida.

Athena Next Gen isn’t just about career advancement — it’s about building confidence, forging lifelong connections, and creating a safe space for women to grow together. With more than 500 alumni, its ripple effect continues to shape the future of leadership in the region and beyond.

While Karen’s professional legacy is remarkable, her personal story is one of unimaginable loss and incredible resilience. In 2020, Karen survived being shot four times in a devastating act of gun violence that tragically took the life of her husband.

After enduring over 26 surgeries and years of recovery, Karen emerged with a renewed mission: to transform her tragedy into advocacy. She became a national fellow for Everytown for Gun Safety, using her voice to raise awareness about the link between mental health and gun violence prevention while inspiring others to find strength through healing.

Karen’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. Through therapy, community support, and her commitment to advocacy, she discovered a way to channel her pain into meaningful impact. Today, she speaks nationally about gun safety, mental health awareness, and women’s leadership — reminding us that true strength is built when we rise after our hardest battles.

Her message is clear: resilience, connection, and mentorship are the keys to creating change. Whether through Athena Next Gen or her advocacy work, Karen continues to lead by example, showing women everywhere what’s possible when you refuse to let circumstances define you.

Memorable Moments from the Episode

• “We knew women wanted a safe space to pass the baton to the next generation — and that’s how Athena Next Gen was born.”

• “I was shot four times — and somehow, I lived. My survival became my purpose.”

• “Mental health and gun violence are intertwined. These conversations must happen in the same space.”

Conclusion

Karen Keene’s journey is more than a story of survival — it’s a story of leadership, advocacy, and hope. From building a thriving community for women leaders to using her voice to inspire change nationwide, Karen proves that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, we all have the power to rise, rebuild, and create meaningful impact.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here